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Man detained for four months for crystal meth possession; police later realized it was just salt

The Independent, April 29, 2016

A man from Maryborough, Queensland in Australia was arrested, and detained for four months after police found what they suspected to be crystal meth in his car.

Tests confirmed it was just salt.

Although it isn't really clear how the salt was packaged for police to assume that it was methyl amphetamine that the man was carrying around in his vehicle, it took four months of forensic testing for authorities to confirm that he was not carrying any illegal substances—just a regular ol' table condiment in the back of his car.

According to the mans lawyer, Travis George, the length in jail time could have likely been attributed to the man's previous criminal convictions. As soon as authorities confirmed what the substance really was, all charges were dropped, and he was released.

The incident has stirred ongoing debate about the length in wait time of Queensland's Health Forensic and Scientific Services who regularly delay forensic testing. John Smith, who is a local magistrate, said of the issue: “For the last 14 years nothing has been done (about the delays)… once again the government needs to have a look at what they are doing in relation to this."

On the brighter side, this incident might at least make for some interesting dinner conversation.